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The memory of relationships

Updated on: 25 July,2021 09:07 AM IST  |  Mumbai
Ela Das |

In an ongoing online exhibition, the embassy of Israel highlights India’s influence on its country’s art and culture

The memory of relationships

Dr Shimon Lev, one of the curators of Heat and Dust, holds a doctorate, specialising in the mutual influence of Jewish and Indian cultures

India’s vibrant craft and culture has found recognition across the globe, and has influenced various forms of art and design. Paying homage to this, the embassy of Israel has created a platform to examine how Israeli artists from multiple backgrounds have echoed aspects of our country and its cultural nuances in their work. Collaborating with the India International Centre in New Delhi, the exhibition titled Heat and Dust, examines each artist’s independent perspective and relationship with the country.


Back to the Sources (Ganga’s Source) or How I almost became a Sadhu, 2021, by Shimon Lev. Mixed media, 99x71 cm
Back to the Sources (Ganga’s Source) or How I almost became a Sadhu, 2021, by Shimon Lev. Mixed media, 99x71 cm


One of the curators of the exhibition, Israeli multidisciplinary artist and photographer, Dr Shimon Lev, holds a doctorate, specialising in the mutual influence of Jewish and Indian cultures. He reflects, “I first visited India in 1984, when I’d just completed my service with the Israeli army”. Lev was approached by the producer of a new gallery in Israel to showcase his work. “I started noticing a pattern of influences through my research, and, instead, proposed curating a show with Jewish artists having roots in India. Israel is a small country, and through all my connections, I discovered several young artists who were weaving a fine story about their experiences with India in their work.” Lev’s early works are also being showcased at the exhibit, which include self portraits that explore the idea of being a sanyasi.